Which is better opening: Caro-Kann or Scandinavian Defense?

The Scandinavian Defense can be considered an improved version of the Caro-Kann. Let’s compare these two opening systems.

In both openings, Black has a pawn on c6 but no pawn on the d-file. From White’s point of view, he has a pawn on d4 and nothing on the e-file.

White has a lot of ways to avoid the Caro-Kann but cannot avoid the Scandinavian Defense.

That’s why today, Eva Kasparova, daughter of Kasparov, has recorded the video on behalf of her father, You can watch the video lesson below.

Watch Eva Kasparova's video now!

An online Chess Coach...mmm

Black is hiding beneath more pawns when he happens to lose a tempo, this per se somewhat ensures more maneuvering room, for both sides however. De gustibus non est disputandum.

A bit misleading post. I was expecting to see a video by Garry's daughter...

The Modern variation of the Scandinavian variation is probably better, since it lets you get into a lot of fun gambits and it is far less studied than the more common line of 2... Qxd5.  It also isn't any less solid than the main line.  I can't say if the Scandinavian is just an improved version of the Caro Kann since I never play that opening, but the Scandinavian is certainly a solid and very aggressive response to 1. e4.

Indeed, Scandinavian, if not the best opening for Black, is at least, not a bad choice. The only draw back is that it breaks the basic principles of opening of making several queen moves in the beginning and giving development for White with tempo. 

However, I've played Scandinavian in past and I think it can be a bit aggressive opening, too. For instance, Black can castle on the queenside, while White on the kingside, it is kind of easy to make a quick and aggressive attack on the kingisde (opposite side castles) with h6, g5. 

The KEY FACTOR is that Black will have the queen-bishop battery on h2-c7 diagonal which is the building block for the attack.

I also liked the following articles from GM Igor Smirnov:

• Best chess openings and how to pick one for you (with a great infographic)
• Two chess opening mistakes you should never make

Good luck! :)

I actually play the 2... Nf6 version of the Scandinavian, so I don't end up moving the Queen early (except in some of the sidelines, depending on what white chooses to do).  I like this  more than the Orthodox Scandinavian since it leads to some tricky gambits that often trip up my opponents if they aren't careful.  Not to mention, there isn't a lot of theory built up around it, and most people don't know any theory that does exist, so we are both basically just playing on our own rather than following a bunch of standard opening move theory.  I prefer it that way.

I am actually very rarely faced with 3.d4, but that probably has to do with the fact that I mostly play lower rated players (like myself).  3.c4 and 3.nc3 are the most common moves I run into, followed by 3.nf3.  If they do end up playing 3.d4 I am fine with going into the Portuguese gambit (3... Bg4).  I've been reading through David Smerdon's book on the Portuguese gambit, and most of the lines seem to equalize with best play and give black some nice tricks to employ.

To quote the very first sentence in his book "Make no mistake about it: from any fundamental mainstream chess perspective, the repertoire I am offering in this book should be, has to be, unsound."

And to quote the great Ron Swanson "I can do what I want"

But honestly, reading through the book and the various lines it describes, the white player either plays into the gambit and gives black strong attacking chances, or plays to avoid any sharp positions, which generally end up equalizing eventually.  He does show one line that is essentially a refutation, but no one really plays it for some really weird reason.